Pro Pundits

How Double Gameweek 19 fixture changes have affected my FPL chip and transfer strategies

Like most Fantasy Premier League managers, I am finding it very hard to plan for Double Gameweek 19.

In light of Thursday’s updated fixture list, here is my latest plan for transfers and chip strategies ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

But, you could not have caught me in worse spirits about the way this season is going. Oh, Raz, what have you done to me. 

I know it really shouldn’t matter with everything going on, but Raheem Sterling’s (£11.4m) penalty miss has to go up there with one of my worst ever moments in FPL. 

My Free Hit team was built around him being my key differential, and not content with a spot on the bench until the 82nd minute, Sterling had to go and make things even worse.

Using the brilliant “what if” machine over at LiveFPL.net, I worked out that if Sterling had scored, I would have been catapulted into the top million ahead of my Arsenal contingent facing Crystal Palace.

Even if Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) had shaken off his fatigue and scored, I’d have still gone up a few hundred thousand places. If ever a moment summed up my season, it happened last night.

With the pain of the miss still fresh in my mind, I now have to turn my attention to planning for the upcoming Gameweeks. We have never known anything like it. Double Gameweeks have dropped off the table, with both Leeds and Southampton now only having one game. There go four players that I had in place ready for Double Gameweek 19.

Aston Villa v Everton is off now too. So, there goes Dominic Calvert Lewin (£7.7m). Dean Smith’s men have earned a fixture back though, hosting Newcastle at the back-end of the Gameweek, although we still don’t know which of their plays have been dealing with coronavirus (COVID-19). And let’s not forget that top target Jack Grealish (£7.7m) is on four yellow cards. Another one against Manchester City and he would miss the second Double Gameweek 19 fixture.

Let’s add to that problem. Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) is also one booking away from a ban and faces what is likely to be a fiery encounter against Liverpool to come, before playing Fulham. Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) is off form. Manchester City are proving rock solid in defence but a bit of a lottery in trying to work out how many goals they will score, even against so-called ‘inferior’ opposition. Are they back, or were good performances against Newcastle and Chelsea just the result of playing teams in poor form?

I am finding it very hard this season and I know I’m not the only one. It feels almost impossible to plan for things when so much is in flux. But, we must try. I’m not going to give up hope, but I am looking at this season through the lens of what it is. No matter what rank I end up with, I will know what went on. I am allowing myself this season as a freebie, whatever happens.

I think I want to have a bit of fun at this stage. I want to give my squad a bit of a freshening up once Double Gameweek 19 is out of the way. I am interested in Percy Tau (£5.5m), mostly due to my Brighton bias, but also because he presents an intriguing cheap option as a potentially out-of-position option. 

Let’s face it, with competition such as Neal Maupay (£6.1m) it’s hard to imagine Tau won’t feature – and his most natural position is as an attacking midfielder. I expect to see him cementing a regular spot in the team going forward, given our lack of real goal threat over the last few months.

Barring any drastic news from the West Ham camp, I am going to finally make a move for Michael Antonio (£6.2m). West Ham have the best Double Gameweek schedule of the lot, hosting Burnley and West Bromwich Albion. 

The reason why I am so keen is because the Hammers have sold Sebastien Haller (£, his only direct competition, to Ajax. While I don’t expect a full 180-minute outing in Double Gameweek 19 for Antonio, it looks like he has returned from injury at a good time, and got minutes in the FA Cup. With Sterling’s penalty miss making one of my low points of FPL, Antonio’s four goals against Norwich was certainly my high point. If he can get close to replicating this then I’ll be a happy man again.

Speaking of West Ham, this seems a great time to invest in their defence. I know a lot of people have got Vladimir Coufal (£4.7m) and he seems a great option for the double – but a double up with Aaron Creswell (£5.4m) could be gold. I’d back West Ham for at least one clean sheet and Creswell has already registered 6 assists in the league.  No defender has got more. Historically, defenders are often great picks in Double Gameweeks with the likes of Branislav Ivanovic, Aymeric Laporte and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) all registering huge returns in seasons gone by. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a West Ham defender as the top-scoring player for the Gameweek.

Sky Fantasy Football: Sticks and Stones? Who to bring in before the Overhaul? 2

Another strong consideration for me is to double-up with Manchester City defenders. John Stones (£5.0) has finally come into my reckoning due to the consistency of strong performances from himself and the rest of the backline. 

At this point, I don’t think the extra £0.8m is worth it for fellow centre back Ruben Dias (£5.8m) and I think not only does Stones keep his place, but he matches the Portuguese internationals points from now until the end of the season. 

That said, I am very glad to have moved for João Cancelo (£5.8m). I am completely and utterly convinced that this man is going to hit a double-digit return soon. Could it be this week? Is he actually an outside captaincy option with other big-hitting players flattering to deceive?

One player who I think I will be keeping is Son Heung-min (£9.8m). His 62.5% ownership means that I’m not getting much benefit from his returns, but it feels amiss to be selling him before a run of games that includes Brighton, West Brom and Sheffield United. 

I had earmarked a swap for him to De Bruyne, but with Pep Guardiola citing fatigue as the reason he didn’t take Manchester City’s penalty – combined with the fact that his side are still playing without a recognised striker AND that he only has one goal from open play this season, decimating my team and taking out the number one point scorer in the game just feels a bit of a luxury transfer when there are other moves I could be making to try and climb the rankings.

So, with fixture rescheduling putting any plans I had for a Bench Boost on hold, I am considering which chip I should use if any. With Fernandes on four yellow cards, I don’t feel confident enough captaining him this week – which makes Salah the obvious choice. 

The trouble is, I’m just not sure how the Manchester United game is going to pan out. I think it might be a very cagey affair. While I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have the firepower to put a dent in Liverpool’s title charge, a point would suit them. 

Do I really think Liverpool’s incredible home record of 53 wins and 11 draws in the last 64 games will come to an end against United? I’m just not convinced. At this point, I am strongly considering not using a chip at all and saving them for a bit later in the season. There is the guarantee of further Double gameweeks, and maybe a player will emerge as a stronger Triple Captain option on paper then.

Whatever you decide to do this week, good luck! Double Gameweeks are always something to get excited about. My advice is don’t be afraid to chuck a few hits to bring in some more players and make the most of it. 

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

4,296 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So out of Laca, Tierney, Rowe and Mitchel...
    Mitchel ends up being the only one to return, a decent 8 pointers from the bench lol

  2. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Trent or Robbo?

    Dias or Cancelo?

    Watkins or Antonio?

    1. Doctor Evil
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Currently on Trent, Cancelo & Antonio

      1. WenzelK
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Robbo, Cancelo Antonio

        1. Doctor Evil
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I just fell Trent is due a haul.

          1. Doctor Evil
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Feel

        2. D.Glynn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I agree

  3. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'm loading for next week. 14 DGWers and banging BB on them.

    Eat that.

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      14 DGW players and Mitchell makes perfect sense to me

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have 11, no FH or WC used.
      Would be 13 had Leeds remained a double.

  4. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Picked 11 players on a free hit and my first sub is my top scorer. Luckily he's coming in for Tierney.But what a crap week.

  5. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do you think is the better option in say a few weeks time?

    A) Salah & ESR (Mitchell also as rotation)
    B) Grealish and Ings

    ty.

  6. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    32 points > 61 points

    FH success?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Massive success I would say.

    3. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For sure

    4. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      similar for me, and yes. Big success.

    5. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not if bad planning is what caused the 32 points to begin with

  7. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is it suicidal to go without Salah in the double gameweek?
    Between Ziyech and Pulisic, who is the better pick?

  8. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I consider Free Hit a huge success personally as now I don’t have a team with any Newcastle or any Arsenal 🙂

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, I was upset seeing TAA back in my team but relieved to see Aresnal back out.

    2. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thank you, I needed to hear something like that.

  9. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    20k with all chips still intact. Very satisfying gw

    Whats the most popular chip for next GW?

  10. All For One
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Those who still have Fh when are you planning to use it?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      gw29.

    2. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BGW 29

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cool thanks guys.

    3. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Next blank game week

  11. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    67 -4 here, FH chip saved, solid round

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Excellent result if no other chip was used.

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Solid, bravo!

  12. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone going without City players in GW19?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure why would anyone want to drop in ranks deliberately

      1. CrouchDown
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed but for me it involves dropping one of Salah/Bruno/Vardy ahead of a DGW

    2. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Currently have none. Don't know who I want, thinking of downgrading Son to afford Cancelo

    3. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cancelo, Stones & KDB for me.

  13. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal Konsa
    Salah KDB Bruno Raphinha
    Vardy Bamford
    Meslier Adams Anguissa Taylor

    0 FT 0.9 ITB

  14. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    4 points for my non FH team... 56 for my FH team. Success? Yes. Happy? Yes 🙂 on to the likely bb. How did everyone do and what’s your plan

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      50 on FH, haven't calculated my non FH team. Was feeling pretty good about it yesterday but double Arsenal blanks this morning took the jam right out of my doughnut.

      1. MIGHTY JOE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This

    2. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      10 for non FH, 46 with FH. Still thinking of BB in 19 currently with 11 doubles

    3. djman102
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bleh on FH: 16 points gained vs doing Salah to KDB.

      In GW 15 I WC aiming for a BB of 14 DGW players and Kane or Son in 19. Thanks to schedule adjustments and injuries, I'm looking at a -8 to get 11 DGW players. Leeds and Spurs have good singles though, so think I'll still BB.

  15. SilentLemonMan
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Are any of these worth it? 1FT. Happy to take hits and do multiple.

    A) Harrison > Soucek
    B) Holding > Coufal
    C) Saka > Soucek
    D) Son > Rashford

  16. Mweene
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    58 with FH.

    My normal team would have got 16 points. Wasted chip though according to some here.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just ignore the trolls

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Well done mate!

    3. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Your Fh got you more pts than your normal team, lol don't listen to these people!

    4. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks - just annoying that I put everything into the DGW only for it to fall apart.

    5. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The reason your normal team would have got 16 points is key

      1. Mweene
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not really. I’m ranked at 13k before update and have a great team for DGW 19.

  17. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Watkins a risk to bring in as we don't know who actually had COVID?

  18. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Antonio
    B) Watkins

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  19. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Agonised for ages over which two of Saka, Rowe, Laca and Wilson to bring in. They all blanked in the end,

  20. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Score check?

    Points: 51 (-4)
    Chip: none
    OR: up 2K

    Yours?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not telling, top secret.

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      44 no chip

    3. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      63 with my FH

    4. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      57
      FH
      Up 5 places

    5. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      52(-4)
      No chip
      117k

    6. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        67 with FH

      • GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FH 59

      • FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        50(-4)
        Chip: None
        OR: Small green to 328K

      • Iwantmorepointsthanks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        54 (-4)
        None
        Up 30k

    7. lordkippe
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is it worth using BB in 19 ? Or should I just save it for later ?

      Got Areola, Saka, Dier & Wood at my bench

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Reckon I would save it.

    8. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is DGW19 a good time to Triple Captain?

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Depends who you TC, look to be some decent options this week though for sure.

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        KDB was "tired" so didn't take penalty. Are people going to TC KDB and be confident he'll play both?

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He's always tired. Sore back from carrying City attack. He can still deliver.

      3. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Could be. Who have you in mind?

    9. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just for some balance. I got 44 points on my FH after autosubs and bonus. And a red arrow.

      Yes, it sucks. Yes, I wish I’d saved it. Yes you are all more intelligent than me in this moment.

      Happy now punks? 😆

      (Although I only had 5 GW18 players so FH was unavoidable)

    10. Ninjaa
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Adam's Bamford and Wilson up top. 0.2m itb and 1 ft.
      Adams to Antonio???

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm looking to do that very move.

    11. Salah(c)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Neto + burke > soucek and rowe for free?

      1. Salah(c)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        And bench boost*

    12. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son to KDB gives me the team below. Thoughts?

      Martinez
      Justin/Cancelo/Robo/Coufal
      Soucek/Bruno/KDB(c)/Salah
      Vardy/Bamford

      Martin/Dallas/Adams/Stephens

    13. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wheres Lenos 3rd save?
      sky commentary said he made a 3rd save in 2nd half

    14. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Didn't think in was in danger of going out of LMS with 31 and Laca left. 33 and now safety has updated to 34. FML stupid hits and going Gundo instead of gut pick Foden

    15. CrouchDown
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      (A) Dallas + Foden

      (B) Dawson + Antonio

    16. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martinez
      Dias • Targett • Reguilon
      KDB • Sterling • Bruno • Son • Grealish
      Lacazette • Bamford

      Forster • Dallas • Brewster • Mitchell

      1FT, 0.3ITB

      A. Laca => Antonio
      B. Reguilon + Laca => Struijk + Vardy -4
      C. Son => Rashford
      D. Laca + Grealish => Antonio + Rashford